Jason Segel recently shared how Michael J. Fox has been a major inspiration throughout his two-decade-long career. Segel, who stars in the Apple TV comedy Shrinking, admitted that Fox’s example, both in his acting and professional dedication, guided him during challenging times.
The actor expressed his admiration after learning that Fox would make a guest appearance in the third season of Shrinking. Segel described the experience of working alongside his lifelong idol as deeply meaningful, reflecting on Fox’s influence during formative years in Hollywood.
Reflecting on Michael J. Fox’s Influence in Tough Times
In a conversation with ScreenRant, Segel described how he and his colleagues often invoked Fox’s perseverance when facing the pressures of balancing television and film careers. He recalled,
“When we heard that Michael J. Fox was going to appear on this show, I think we all felt really honored. He’s an idol of mine,”
highlighting how Fox’s career served as a benchmark for success.
Segel also revealed,
“There was a period when me and my crew — it’s 20 years ago now for me — but when I was doing a TV show and trying to make movies at the same time, and it’s scary and exhausting, and we would literally say to each other, ‘Hey, Michael J. Fox did it.’ We would say it all the time,”
emphasizing Fox’s role as a motivational figure during demanding moments.
Opportunity to Express Gratitude to a Longtime Inspiration
After years of looking up to Fox, Segel finally had the chance to share his appreciation in person. While filming Shrinking, Segel told Fox,
“Hey, I want you to know, in a period when I was trying to figure out what I could do with this job, you were like our true north,”
adding,
“It was really cool to get to say that to him.”
Segel, who gained fame for his role in How I Met Your Mother from 2005 to 2014, has also starred in movies such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Despicable Me, and The Muppets. This breadth of work parallels Fox’s busy career during the 1980s, when the latter juggled projects like the Back to the Future trilogy alongside the TV series Family Ties.
Michael J. Fox’s Guest Role and Parkinson’s Advocacy on “Shrinking”
Fox’s appearance on season 3 of Shrinking came after he personally reached out to the show’s creator, Bill Lawrence. Learning about a storyline involving a character with Parkinson’s disease, Fox expressed interest in participating. He recalled,
“I said, ‘You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?’”
and shared that the producer responded,
“Oh, you want to do it?”
which led to Fox’s involvement in a meaningful arc.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991, Fox portrays a patient living with the neurodegenerative condition in a three-episode role. His participation highlights both his ongoing commitment to raising awareness of Parkinson’s and a powerful narrative element for the series.
Upcoming Episodes of “Shrinking” and Continuing Impact
The new episodes of Shrinking season 3 are being released weekly on Apple TV through April 8. Fox’s role adds depth and authenticity to the show, while Segel’s tribute demonstrates how mentorship and inspiration can shape careers over decades.
As Segel’s story reveals, having a role model like Michael J. Fox not only offers professional guidance but also provides motivation during times of uncertainty, proving the lasting influence of determination and talent in the entertainment industry.
